Lagoa das Furnas on Sao Miguel is a sheltered shore-entry dive site with depths ranging from 5 to 15 metres. The site offers a low-pressure environment suitable for beginners to practice buoyancy control. Visibility is approximately 5 metres, requiring divers to maintain close contact with their buddy. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making a 5-millimetre wetsuit appropriate for most conditions. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, European parrotfish, Turkish wrasse, crabs, and Canary damsel, alongside occasional sightings of groupers, pufferfish, black moray, grey triggerfish, and great barracuda.

Baixa do Frade is a reef and cave site located 4800 metres off the coast of Sao Miguel. Reached exclusively by boat, the site features depths ranging from 15 to 25 metres with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally manageable for beginners due to mild currents, with visibility extending between 10 and 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally between 17C and 23C. The topography includes distinct cave sections alongside the main reef structure. The site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling, and night diving is permitted. Divers should remain alert to potential hazards including jellyfish, rip currents, and surface surf.

Baixa das Âncoras is a reef and artificial reef site located 150 metres off the coast of Sao Miguel, Azores. Divers typically explore the area at depths between 14 and 22 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. The site features mild currents, making it suitable for beginners. Marine life includes very common wrasses, European parrotfish, and crabs, alongside common Turkish wrasse, Canary damsel, striped red mullet, combers, and Madeira rockfish. Less frequently, divers may encounter dusky grouper, great barracuda, pufferfish, black moray, and grey triggerfish. Access is by boat only, and the site is available for night diving. Divers should remain vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing.

Ilheu Leste is a boat-access reef located 50 metres from the shore of Sao Miguel in the Azores. The site features depths between 18 and 22 metres, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Divers regularly encounter European Parrotfish, wrasses, Turkish Wrasse, and Canary Damsel. Less frequently, visitors may spot Dusky Grouper, Great Barracuda, pufferfish, Grey Triggerfish, Black Moray, and various seabream. Crabs are very common, particularly between June and September. While currents are typically mild, strong surges can occur, requiring intermediate skill levels. Night diving is permitted at this location. Facilities including showers, air fills, and a dive shop are available nearby to support your dive.

Islet Bay, located off the islet of Vila Franca in Sao Miguel, Azores, is a reef site suitable for beginner divers. The topography consists of a mix of reef and sand, reaching depths between 5 and 12 metres. A notable feature of the site is the presence of two 16th-century bronze cannons resting at a depth of five metres. Access to the site is by boat, located 500 metres from the shore. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site is equipped with facilities including changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a rinse station, with guided tours and boat charters available.

Baixa das Cracas is a reef site located off Sao Miguel in the Azores, accessible only by boat. The site features a varied reef topography reaching depths of 20 metres. Divers can encounter a range of marine life, including very common European parrotfish and crabs, which are most frequently seen between June and September. Other species recorded here include Turkish wrasse, various bream, striped red mullet, and Canary damsel. Less frequently, divers may spot great barracuda, dusky grouper, grey triggerfish, black moray, and pufferfish. Due to variable currents and potential boat traffic, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Always deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending to ensure safety.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is a volcanic islet located 500 metres off the coast of Sao Miguel. This site features a combination of reef, artificial reef, and cave topography. Divers can expect depths ranging from 8 to 22 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Conditions are generally stable with mild currents and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate seasonally from 17C in winter to 24C in September. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving, with typical dive durations of 45 minutes. Facilities including air fills, changing rooms, and showers are available nearby.

Porto da Caloura is a reef and cave dive site located on the southern coast of Sao Miguel. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. The site is accessible by both shore and boat, situated 300 metres from the coast. Conditions are generally manageable with mild currents, though surge can be a factor depending on swell direction. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres. The site is suitable for intermediate divers and supports night diving. On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe, providing a convenient base for multiple dives.